‘So, the main man is him only’ – Angkrish Raghuvanshi credits Abhishek Nayar for recent success

Angkrish Raghuvansh. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

After missing out against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru just under a week’s time as an Impact Player who was never deployed on the pitch due to majestic pyrotechnics displayed by the top four of the Kolkata Knight Riders to guide them to a comfortable victory, the 18-year-old Angkrish Raghuvanshi finally got his chance against the Delhi Capitals. Raghuvanshi came out to bat at No. 3 after the dismissal of opener Phil Salt halfway through the fifth over.

During his stay in the middle which lasted almost nine overs (4.4 to 13.2), the youngster showed exemplary prowess, and looked in no doubts whatsoever, completely unperturbed as far as the occasion was concerned. What KKR were looking for was a continuation of impulse in the innings, and Angkrish did just that, alongside the seasoned professional Sunil Narine, with the Delhi-born batter taking the DC bowlers to the cleaners in a 27-ball 54-run knock, laced with five fours and three sixes.

In an exclusive chat with him posted on the official account of the Indian Premier League post the game, Angkrish could be seen mentioning that his coach since the tender age of 11 as well as the current assistant coach of KKR, Abhishek Nayar, has had quite a striking influence on him and the reverse-sweeps seen during the match against DC were perfected under his guidance. He also implicitly credited him as the “main main” behind his success, as well as being grateful to his fellow teammates and the support staff at the franchise. 

“I would like to dedicate this knock to my coach, Abhishek Nayar, and my teammates and the support staff. I have a learned a lot staying with them. Abhishek sir has been working with me since my childhood. All this reverse sweep and all, he made me practice a lot. So, the main man is him only,” said Angkrish.

Also Read: ‘I just backed my instincts’ – KKR youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi reflects on his sensational IPL debut

To obviously don the Indian jersey: Angkrish on his ultimate dream

Much like every budding cricketer’s cardinal purpose of playing the game since a young age, that of Angkrish’s was no different, with him wanting to don the Indian jersey in the near future, but in a rather special way, “like no one has done before”.

“To obviously don the Indian jersey. But to wear it like no one has ever done before. Everyone will look at me and say, I’m different,” concluded Angkrish. 

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